Fixed Tuition is a program established by the North Carolina General Assembly (NC General Statute 116-143.9) that guarantees a fixed tuition rate for up to eight consecutive semesters (excluding summer sessions) for qualifying North Carolina resident undergraduates pursuing their first bachelor's degree at any UNC System institution, including Appalachian State University.
This benefit is available to both full-time and part-time eligible students and is designed to provide financial predictability throughout a student’s academic journey.
How the Fixed Tuition Program Works
Fixed Tuition operates as a cohort model. Students who first enroll at App State in Fall 2021, for example, will pay the Fall 2021 tuition rate for the next eight consecutive semesters.
Transfer students and readmitted students may still receive the benefit, but the number of eligible semesters is prorated based on previously completed coursework or time away from the institution.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Fixed Tuition benefit, students must meet all of the following requirements:
- Undergraduate status (graduate students are not eligible)
- First-time, degree-seeking status (students pursuing a second bachelor's or classified as non-degree are not eligible)
- In-state residency (except students receiving a full scholarship under NC General Statute 116-143.6)
Enrollment status must be maintained throughout the benefit period. Both full-time and part-time students are eligible.
Accessing Your Fixed Tuition Information
Students can check their eligibility and remaining semesters of fixed tuition in AppalNet Self-Service.
Navigate to Student Tab → Student Accounts → Fixed Tuition Information. This page shows your cohort start term and the semester your fixed tuition eligibility expires.
Semesters of Eligibility
Appalachian State’s Fixed Tuition benefit covers a maximum of 8 consecutive fall and spring semesters. Eligibility is determined as follows:
- First-year, first-time students: Up to 8 semesters, provided all criteria are met.
- Transfer students: Total number of accepted transfer credit hours divided by 15 (rounded up) is subtracted from 8 to determine remaining eligibility.
- Continuing students: Eligibility is reduced based on the number of completed semesters at App State and accepted transfer hours.
Note: Enrollment in any credit-bearing course (regardless of full-time or part-time status) counts as a semester. Audited or non-credit courses do not count.
Loss of Eligibility
Students may lose Fixed Tuition eligibility under the following conditions:
- Break in continuous enrollment: Students must remain enrolled in fall and spring semesters. Withdrawal on or before the 10th class day breaks enrollment. Upon re-enrollment, a new cohort is assigned based on the then-current tuition rate, with prorated semesters.
- Residency changes:
- Gaining in-state residency on or before the 10th class day allows eligibility for that semester.
- Losing in-state residency on or before the 10th class day results in loss of benefit for that semester and beyond.
- Change of student classification: Moving from degree-seeking to non-degree status on or before the 10th class day disqualifies the student from the benefit.
Appealing a Break in Continuous Enrollment
The only allowable appeal under Fixed Tuition legislation involves a break in continuous enrollment. Appeals may be submitted if the break resulted from:
- Military service obligation
- Serious medical debilitation
- Short- or long-term disability
- Other extraordinary hardship
All appeals must be submitted to the Tuition Appeals Committee, which is responsible for final decisions.